Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability And Learning Coordinator (Zahle)

Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need around the world. Save the Children has been operating in Lebanon since 1999 and is recognized for its commitment to accountability, innovation and collaboration.  Save the Children currently implements programs in Child Protection, Education, CRC, Health and Nutrition, Food Security & Livelihood, Shelter, and Emergency Response throughout Lebanon.   Save the Children is seeking qualified candidates to fulfill the following positions, for its Lebanon Country Office, in the following locations Beirut, Tripoli, Akkar and Bekaa:   ROLE The   Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL) Coordinator will support the Field Manager and MEAL Advisor in ensuring quality and accountability standards are integrated into the regular MEAL of the Save the Children’s Emergency Response in their field site. Together with the MEAL Team  based in the capital the  MEAL Coordinator will have a key role in establishing and promoting use of MEAL systems to ensure that our programme staff and strategies are:   Sufficiently informed on the extent to which the emergency response is affecting the lives of the targeted populations and in particular, children. Facilitating the gathering of evidence-based knowledge on the positive and negative impact that the emergency response is having over the communities we work with Receiving regular, timely and context-specific, meaningful feedback from our staff, partners, programme participants (who are or are not targeted by our interventions), and that feedback effectively informs and signals areas where strategic attention is required.   S/he will accomplish this through the implementation of the integrated MEAL framework for Save the Children in Lebanon, focusing on building the capacity of relevant programme staff, as well as promoting and fostering a culture of shared learning and accountability, and promoting innovation within the country programme. This includes supporting in the development and integration of accountability, learning and programme quality standards in programme assessments, design, monitoring, review and evaluation (ADM&E), as well as consistent documentation of learning and progress in this area.   MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES Programme Support (typically will be at field level): Support coordination of needs assessments in coordination other external sector agencies, ensuring assessment findings are documented and include an analysis of children’s needs. Lead development of SC programme baseline surveys where required. Working with senior technical colleagues, support sector specialists in their development of sector log frames, plans, and monitoring and evaluation frameworks and plans.  Contribute to development of programme plan/strategy and master budget. Support in the development of M&E systems (inc. output trackers) and their roll out to field staff. Support more senior technical staff to develop and rollout systems. With support from senior technical colleagues, support fundraising, including contributing to proposal writing and review to ensure MEAL activities and costs are adequately covered. Support planning, implementation and follow-up of evaluations, for instance writing TORs, preparing literature review packs, recruiting evaluators, planning evaluator itineraries, planning staff workshops, leading report review. Participate in evaluations where required. Set up simple systems to manage information generated by MEAL activities, such as complaints databases.  Conduct simple data analysis and present and disseminate information to inform programme management. Seek solutions for more complex data management requirements by working with IT colleagues. With support from senior MEAL and programme staff, with the HR team, identify MEAL staffing needs for emergency programmes, and support rapid recruitment, induction, performance management and training. With support from the MEAL Adviser and/or other senior programme staff, identify MEAL supply needs and coordinate with the logistics team to ensure materials arrive in good time. Implement accountability mechanisms at field level, e.g. complaints and feedback response mechanisms –assessment, design, implementation, and review. Implement activities to raise awareness of prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse and handling of serious complaints in line with child safeguarding policy. Support technical sector specialists to ensure that projects are carried out with participation from all disaster-affected communities (including children), that information is shared with affected communities (through traditional and high-tech solutions) and that they solicit and respond to community feedback. To ensure that the minimum standards of humanitarian relief are maintained in accordance with the Sphere Charter and Red Cross Code of Conduct. Capacity Building: Identify learning and training opportunities for staff and work as a mentor for less experienced staff. Conduct training and awareness raising activities for operations and programme technical staff at field level regarding MEAL priorities and quality standards. Representation & Advocacy & Organisational Learning: Ensure that Save the Children's work is coordinated with efforts of other agencies and Government, and support Interagency Coordination forums, advocating for the specific needs of children. This may involve supporting coordination working groups.  Participate in Interagency coordinated joint MEAL activities (for instance, inter-agency RTEs). With support from the MEAL Adviser and/or other senior programme staff, assist in advocacy activities that target decision-makers in-country. Support senior technical specialist with learning activities.  For instance, support planning of After Action Review workshops, prepare lessons learnt reports and conducting accountability mechanism pilots. Contribute to communications and media work as required. General: Comply with Save the Children policies and practice with respect to child protection, code of conduct, health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies and procedures.   QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE Essential A high level of written and spoken Arabic and English Significant years experience of working internationally in humanitarian programmes Dedication to humanitarian principles and willingness to be based in the field for long periods of time Education to BSc/BA/BEng level in a relevant subject or equivalent field Significant experience of undertaking a MEAL related role in an humanitarian context Previous experience of managing a team and managing projects Experience of and commitment to working through systems of community participation and accountability Demonstrated strong monitoring and evaluation skills, including planning/participating in evaluations Experience of training and capacity building Some experience of representation and ability to represent SC effectively in external forums. Knowledge of institutional donors and experience of developing proposals Ability to write clear and well-argued assessment and project reports Excellent communication and influencing skills Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy The capacity and willingness to be extremely flexible and accommodating in difficult and sometimes insecure working circumstances. Commitment to the aims and principles of SC. In particular, a good understanding of the SC mandate and child focus and an ability to ensure this continues to underpin our support Desirable Experience or knowledge of working and living in Lebanon Knowledge of consortia working     APPLICATION PROCESS Please note that the closing date for applications is : For External applicants on 23rd of March 2014.                         The selection committee will review all applications as they are received. All applicants must meet the minimum requirements described above, and those unable to meet these requirements will not be considered. No further information will be given over the phone.   Please note: due to the critical nature of this recruitment, applications will be reviewed as they are received and successful candidates contacted on an on-going basis.  Internal Applicants are given priority in the recruitment process. STARTING DATE: Immediate.  We’re looking for people who can start as soon as possible or within the next few weeks.   Each application package should include the following: •              Job title for the role you are applying for in subject header of the email •              Cover letter with the applicant’s current contact information •              CV (including detailed work experience, education/degrees)  –  3 pages maximum •              Professional References (minimum of three, with complete contact information) •              Kindly do not send supporting certificates and documents at this stage •              Letter and CV should be saved into one Word or PDF document and sent to lebanonhrz@savethechildren.org   Applications not including all of the above information will not be reviewed. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.   We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.  All applicants will also be subject to Save the Children’s usual Child Safeguarding Policy and reference checking